Asean Skin Docs Aim To Harmonize Standards Ahead Of Healthcare Liberalization

PR Log (Press Release) – Oct 02, 2009 – Dermatologists practicing in South East Asian (SEA) countries will gather at a regional meeting for dialogue on the liberalization of healthcare services under the Asian Free Trade Area (AFTA) Agreement.

The AFTA agreement will see member countries relax trade barriers, some earlier than others, such as is the case with Malaysia which aims to open up its healthcare services section by the end of 2009.

Led by the League of Asian Dermatological Societies (LADS), senior skin specialists and heads of national skin societies from six SEA nations – Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, Indonesia, Philippines and Vietnam -- will gather in Hanoi, Vietnam to share country specific experiences, harmonize standards and address possible negative social impacts from the liberalization of healthcare services.

Among top concerns to be raised are the provisions needed to establish a regulatory framework that will safeguard access, quality and delivery of care as well as provide an avenue to protect patients at the regional level.

“It is envisioned that these views and best practices will be developed into clinical guidelines and championed by a new association, the Asian Academy of Dermatology and Venereology (AADV),” said Dr. Steven Chow, Secretary General of the LADS.

“Solutions mooted to address the patient’s needs include the formation of a regional patient grievance network or mechanism to protect patient rights and for resolving problems as well as complaints.

“Without these safeguards and mechanisms, it is likely that the liberalization of healthcare services may worsen imbalances in the supply and demand of specialty healthcare and widen the gap between the have and have-nots.”

Dr. Chow also added that the views and concerns consolidated from the meeting will be presented to national dermatological associations in their respective countries.

“Many of us across the region are ill informed and will not able to provide recommendations on how to avoid negative short and long term implications from the AFTA, which is why preparations must begin now.

“Hopefully, they will serve as policy recommendations as governments grapple with complementary policies needed before relaxing formal trade barriers and balancing the need for flexibility and protection, especially in areas such as labor laws,” said Dr. Chow.

Dr. Chow that the conference will also examine the development and benefits of a regional psoriasis registry to assist research specific to asian patient and treatment of the disease.

Formalized at a Regional Conference held in Bali in 1988, LADS is the recognized body for the national dermatological societies from Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, Philippines, Indonesia and Vietnam, to enhance regional and international cooperation in the field of dermatology.

Beginning November 6, the 2009 Satellite Meeting in Hanoi, Vietnam will also see the inauguration of the Asian Academy of Dermatology and Venereology (AADV) by the LADS to fulfill the need for a central representation body for dermatologists in the region.